Danielle is the Executive
Director for the Autism Society Alaska. She joined the board in 2012 while
working on her Master’s thesis and later became the first hired Executive
Director in October 2014. It was during a class on interpersonal relationships that
she developed a passion for communication and advocacy. Her master’s thesis
examined the experiences of mothers' raising children with autism in Alaska.
A passion for public speaking flourished as an
adjunct Communication Professor at the University of Alaska
Fairbanks. In her time with the Autism Society of Alaska she has given
numerous presentations and training courses in Alaska to inform
others about Autism. Danielle's areas of responsibility span across committee
management, media relations, finance, compliance, technology, board
development and community outreach.

Danielle is a fourth generation
Alaskan who values building relationships with people in the Golden Heart
Community.

In addition to her work with
Autism Society Alaska, Danielle enjoys athletic adventures and spending time
with her husband, Craig, and their daughter, Madison. Danielle considers
her position with the Autism Society of Alaska an honor and continues to strive
to making a positive impact for those who are affected by Autism in Alaska

Board of Directors

Brandy RabyPresident

Brandy and her husband enjoy
raising their two boys in Alaska. As a resident of this great State for 29
years, she graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks with her
Associates in Paralegal Studies and had a range of educational experiences from
Elementary to Post-Secondary education. Her family enjoys fishing, traveling,
hiking, and skiing. By the young age of 2 her oldest son was given the
diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. This diagnosis set her on a passionate
journey which has created many opportunities. She has participated in many
State-wide conferences, programs and trainings as well as out of State programs
and National Autism Society Conferences. Brandy has held a position on the
Board of Directors for the Autism Society of Alaska since 2010. She previously
held the position as Vice President and is the current President. As a Board
member she has lead parent support groups, participated in fundraising events
and has had the opportunity to advocate for ASD awareness, acceptance and
services. She is the State representative for the Society Assembly of Affiliate
leaders for the National Autism Society Organization. This network of Affiliate
leaders work together on local and National levels lobbying in D.C. as well as
creating strategic plans and programs to be implemented and available across
local and National arenas. Having been on this journey for a while, Brandy has
seen the statistics; services and educational opportunities change over the
years. She appreciates the individuality of every person who experiences Autism
and intends to use her time on the Board as well as any other opportunity she
is given to #StompTheStigma that surrounds them and their support systems so that
the celebration of who they are can be joined by all.

Denys CollinsSecretary

Denys Collins is the Autism
Society of Alaska's secretary and social media manager. Raised in Idaho, she
moved to Alaska in 2013 with her husband and two kids. It didn't take long for
her to realize she was home.

After her son was diagnosed
with Autism in 2015, she found herself surprised that so many experience autism
yet she knew such little about it. This experience is what drives her to not
only focus on increasing public awareness but acceptance as well. Her dream is
a fully inclusive world that is willing to change to fit everyone's needs.
After attending sensory friendly events with her son, she realized the Autism
Society of Alaska was a great way to focus on her new passion.

When she's not chauffeuring her
children around or helping with the Autism Society, she enjoys cheering for the
Green Bay Packers with pizza.

Alana Frazier Board Member in the Professional Field

Alana was born and raised in
Virginia. She attended graduate school for occupational therapy at the
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Saint Augustine, Florida,
receiving her Master of Occupational Therapy degree in 2012. Alana has since
worked in outpatient occupational therapy settings, first in Texas and now in
Alaska. As an occupational therapist, she works with individuals on the autism
spectrum each week. Much of her continuing education has related to sensory
processing challenges and autism spectrum disorder. At work, her focus centers
around increasing quality of life for the individual client and extends into
the family.

Joshua Kamerick Board Member who experiences autism

My name is Joshua Kamerick I was born in September 1983. I want tell you that I have disability. You wouldn't believe it that I have a disability until you have met me and get to know me. You will be able to see it more however I tend to hide my disability. My disability does affect my life. I try not to let it sometimes it does control my life. Before hand I have to tell you when I had found out that I had a form of Autism at the 22 years old. It was a load off of my mind because I did not know where I fit in. I did not know who I was. Before hand I was diagnosed with Learning Disability, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (LD,PDD-NOS) for short. All of my childhood I was held behind of the students the same age. When I graduated High School I had 3rd grade Reading skill and 2nd grade Math skill.

With being diagnosed with Autism I am able to learn more how to adjust and to adapt to the different life skills mostly on social issues. It is hard for me to get the things that I want to say it. Sometimes it makes sense to me and not to the other person or what the other person say it makes sense to them not to me. So I put myself in different situations where that I have to be involved with other people. So I like to find people who have like interest that I have and we go from there. If we don't have in stuff in commons love to learn about them what the like the next time we meet each other I will be more prepared to be on the same line that the are. Sometimes I lead people in an activity where I have to demonstrate how to do stuff. I am at that point where I like to be challenged to get out of my comfort zone.

Since I have been diagnosed with Autism I have overcome many challenges in my life. So I have accepted who I am and keep living. I have accomplished many things in my life like: I have earned my 2nd degree Black Belt in American Taekwondo Association with that I was able to become a student teacher. I also did competition with other who is on the Spectrum. I placed 1st place in Missouri State Special Abilities 3 years in a row. I also love to be a Mentor and to talk to everyone who is willing to listen to me about Autism. One of my favorite things is when a child come up to me who I am teaching. That child said “I can’t do it. I have Autism.” I say to that child so do I have Autism. When they hear that they stopped crying and try what I am showing them how to do it.

Leah Kovall Board Member Parent, Military and Event Planning

Leah has been an Army brat, spouse and retiree dependent. She has a knowledge of navigating ASD diagnosis, resources, programs and coverage via Tricare and affiliates. She is a certified event planner who is excited to bring her training to the ASA in regards to activities. She was born in San Antonio, Texas; raised in Ohio; but has decided to set roots right here in Alaska. Leah works in a local pediatric clinic and has a heart especially for our little ones and raising attention to changing culture in the foundational years of a diagnosis. She is continuing her degree in Special Education.

Brianna BrooksBoard Member in the Professional Field

Bio coming soon

Heidi HaasFounding Honorary Board
Member

As the founding member of the
Autism Society of Alaska, Heidi Haas has a dedicated passion for
autism and education advocacy. Heidi and her husband were both born
and raised in Fairbanks and value the support Alaskan's have shown the Autism
Society and especially their family. After her daughter was diagnosed with
autism in 2007, Heidi set out to create supports and advocacy for
others. Heidi is also a member of the Governor's Council on
Disabilities and Special Education, Autism Task Force for the state and is
currently the president of the Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board. Being
involved in the community that supports our future is important and rewarding
for Heidi.

Betsey JacobsHonorary Board Member

The Autism Society Board has
voted Betsey Jacobs as the Honorary Board Member, a yearly rotating
position. This honor is given to a member in the community who has positively
impacted our families who experience autism.

Betsey Jacobs has been a
practicing speech-language pathologist in Fairbanks for the past 12 years. She
has been a therapy animal handler for over 20 years and currently trains
service dogs with Paws for Purple Hearts and The Other Paw Assistance Dogs.
Betsey has created Camp YES! in the woods, a camp for all kids, addressing
social thinking and sensory regulation, along with service dogs-in-training, in
a fun outdoor environment.
Thank you Betsey Jacobs for all you do for Autism in Alaska!

Caitlin FryeVolunteer Grant-Writer

Caitlin moved to Fairbanks in 2013 with her husband and two young girls. She first connected with the Autism Society of Alaska at an event in Fairbanks when she suspected her older daughter was on the autism spectrum. With the organization's help, her daughter was eventually diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Caitlin's family found support, activities, education, and inspiration in the Autism Society of Alaska. Caitlin's background in writing and grant administration, along with her passion for advancing the well-being and acceptance of those who experience autism, made grant-writing for the Autism Society a perfect fit. When she is not caring for her family and writing grants, Caitlin works full-time as a Publications Specialist at the Alaska Department of Transportation and sings and plays guitar with a local band.

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